Our goal is to unlock youth potential by providing students with a book that helps them think about and plan their future.

What is it?

7 Steps for Empowering Youth: Self-Awareness Developing Grit and a Growth Mindset by Jim Cantoni is a keepsake reflective action journal for kindergarten to college student success.

What does it do?

It helps you powerfully express your thoughts and feelings about your interests, hopes, strengths, goals and dreams for your future. You will:

Reflect on your passion.

Discover your purpose.

Find your path.

What will it do for you?

The goal is to help you take control of your life and create a personal “GPS”, Game Plan for a Successful future.

7 Steps for Empowering Youth

“The idea of discussing with a young child the idea of how to change/effect the outcome of their lives.”

– a Grandmother, Glastonbury, CT

Students

Educators

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What They're Saying

“In 7 Steps for Empowering Youth, Jim Cantoni gives students a voice and choice in life. In this reflective action journal, Jim accomplishes his goals to help students reflect on their passion, discover purpose, and find their path, while moving their inspired thoughts to clear, actionable steps that enkindle potential to impact their lives. Jim helps put students and adults on the same page about plans for their future. Like a “GPS,”step-by-step, Jim’s book helps educators and parents transform student lives and bolster educational and emotional health.” – Fran Kennedy

Associate Director, Commission on Public Schools, New England Association of Schools and CollegesRetired Principal, Berlin High School, 2015 Connecticut High School Principal of the Year.

Middle School

“I think my dad got a better idea on what/where I want to go in life.”

“I feel very confident I can do all that I have written.”

High School

“I found my life goal.”

“I now know what I have to do.”

“[It makes Naviance] Much easier.”

“I have the tools to think critically about my future.”

“I am now more motivated and determined.”

“I know what I am doing with my life.”

“I know what I want to do/who I want to be.”

“Happy because I now have a clearer view of what I plan to do with my future.”

College

“It’s AMAZING! I love it! It gets you thinking and to actually pour out what you really want to do. It’s the best feeling ever.”

“In just a few minutes, I was thinking about my goals in an entirely new way.”

“My goals seemed more concrete and achievable, and I was empowered to pursue them.

“My ambitions and the steps I would have to take to realize them were all listed on one page, allowing me to see them as interconnected.”

Teachers & School Counselors

“Helped me learn about the kids.”

“I can help facilitate empowering myself and the younger population.”

“I was able to make a better connection with my students.”

“What they got out of it is a clear road map to their success and it came from inside of them. It made it easier for me to get them focused on what they want to do in the future, like getting into college and doing positive things in their life. It made it easier to make them change.”

Youth Services, Juvenile Justice & Truancy

“The book, 7 Steps for Empowering Youth is a simple tool for youth, their parents or any “trusted” adult to work together to develop a plan, a mindset, and goals for the future… youth were able to talk about and create personal game plans for their future dreams and goals with their parents.

We were able to witness the active parent-child collaboration and communication that this book can stimulate. It has the ability to enhance and link learning to the educational achievement and success of their children.”

Coaches, Mentors & Community Partners

“The students feel very excited and encouraged.”

“They are identifying their goals and dreams early on.

“It helps kids realize their self-worth and puts them on a path to successful futures.”

“The students feel very inspired to change their attitude toward how they view themselves and life.

“The students feel good about themselves and the impact they can have.”

Moms/Dads/Grandparents

“I’m happy he has a goal. Now they have insight what they’d like to be.” – a Hartford Mom

“Start thinking about their future.” – a Glastonbury Grandma

“I AM SO PROUD OF HIM. I AM SO PROUD.” – a Hartford Grandma

“I know better what my kids want to do when they grow up” – a Glastonbury Dad

“Now they are going to start accomplishing something.” – a Hartford Dad